Rush to judgment could be wrong

October 20, 2012

I feel the need to respond to all the letters and the publicity concerning the rape case that has captured the local headlines.

I thought that in America, one was innocent until proven guilty. These boys, who have no previous record, who are excellent students and outstanding athletes, have already been convicted by the media and the public.

We have not yet received any actual facts or real evidence.

The names of these boys have been publicized - even though they are juveniles. They are already stigmatized by these charges, which will stick with them no matter the outcome of the trial.

Hopefully, the facts will be exposed - and if they are actually found innocent, maybe everyone who had already convicted them will feel a little guilt.

But one must remember how many innocent people have spent decades in American jails for crimes they did not commit. One hopes that the publicity this case has received will not go against them.